“The Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the most important and respected scripture in the world. First translated into Russian in 1788, it is not merely a religious text, but one of the defining treatises of Indian thought. The Bhagavad Gita has circulated freely across the world for centuries and there is not a single instance of it having encouraged extremism. So, the case before the Honourable Court in Tomsk is indeed absurd, bordering on the bizarre. Knowledgeable Russian and other experts have provided supportive statements about the Bhagvad Gita to the Honourable Court in Tomsk. The Ombudsman handling Human Rights too is due to speak for freedom of religion and conscience in Russia at its next hearing on December 28. It is hoped that all this would be fully appreciated by the Honourable Court in Tomsk. The Russian authorities have been approached at high levels to appropriately resolve this matter.”

– Ajai Malhotra Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation Moscow

Found on the official site of the Embassy of India in Russia: http://www.indianembassy.ru/